Leicestershire

Image source, Opta

Leicester City will look to keep their lingering play-off hopes alive in their first game since Marti Cifuentes was sacked when they welcome relegation-battling Charlton Athletic on Saturday (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

The Foxes, who will have Andy King in temporary charge, are 14th and six points adrift of the top-six after just two wins in their past eight games (D1 L5).

The 19th-placed Addicks are only three points clear of the drop zone and have won just twice in 14 games (D3 L9).

• Leicester will be looking to achieve a league double over Charlton for the first time since 1981-82 (also in the second division), having won 1-0 at The Valley earlier this season.

• Charlton have only won one of their past 10 away league matches against Leicester (D5 L4), with that lone victory coming in February 2013 under Chris Powell (a 2-1 win in the Championship).

• Leicester haven't kept a clean sheet in the Championship since a 0-0 draw with league leaders Coventry in September 2025, going 23 matches without one. Since the start of last season, they have the lowest clean sheet percentage (9%) of any team in England's top four tiers (6/67).

• Since the start of November, only West Brom have fewer points (1) in Championship away games than Charlton (2). The Addicks are one of only three sides without an away win in this period (D2 L6), along with West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday.

• Abdul Fatawu has the most goal involvements and assists for Leicester in the Championship this season (13 - 6 goals, 7 assists), while his 74 completed dribbles are at least 22 more than any other player in the division (Mikey Johnston, 52).

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester City supporters were asked for who they would want as the next Foxes boss, and the wishlist is long.

The responses range from former bosses Enzo Maresca and Nigel Pearson to current Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick and England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley.

Ash: I think most Leicester fans would take Maresca back in a heartbeat, realistically we will end up with Russell Martin and another six months time he will be getting the sack.

Nick: Go for experience, ideally someone previously connected with the club, for this season at least. Characters like Nigel Pearson or Neil Lennon would reconnect the fans and push the players.

William: I would have Andy King or Nigel Pearson until the end of the season then bring in Carsley or Carrick in the summer and they have fresh season and a summer to have time to implement there tactics and get the signings they want.

John: Someone like Gary Rowett. We need to stop conceding goals. Clean sheets and build from there. Every point we can get is vital. Please not Russell Martin!

Mark: I think Leicester are well and truly cemented into the Championship dog fight this season. I think the manager appointment needs to reflect this and the profile needs to be someone who can get players working hard on the pitch.

Forget developing or maintaining a footballing philosophy, this boat is in danger of sinking to League One and it's SOS time.

Sam: Use the small bit of money we do have and go and get Mark Robins. Experienced, respected and will steady the ship.

Scott: Depending on the financial situation of the club, if we can afford some compensation then maybe best to look at the likes of Dave Challinor, Andy Woodman, Michael Skubala, or push the boat out and get Carlos Corberan.

Basil: If Russell Martin gets the job I fully expect there will be riots/protests/boycotts. City fans have had enough of the tippy-tappy - we want to see a team with fight, organisation, and front-footed football.

The problem is - which managers actually play like that any more? I'd love to see Nigel Pearson back to sort this sorry lot out, but longer-term, we need a forward-thinking manager, and honestly, no one stands out. I'm worried.

Chris: We need someone who can steady the ship, someone who will get the respect from the players. Many people won't like it, but I think Steven Gerrard would be a good option. Like Frank Lampard has done at Coventry, he believe he can build a team capable of going up next season.

Becky: I just want to watch a team that wants to play, and wants to win. There are a great deal of issues going on at the club at the moment and I'm not convinced that another new manager will fix things, but it can't get much worse… (can it?! Will it?!)

'Repairs urgently required' - fans react to Khun Top interview

We also asked for Leicester fans to comment on what owner Khun Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabh had to say in his interview with BBC Radio Leicester.

These are just a few of the thoughts shared with us...

Neil: Unfortunately the interview only highlighted how disconnected from the fanbase and reality the hierarchy at the club is. Until reality hits nothing will change and we will continue in a downward spiral.

The greatest of sporting miracles will be consigned to the history books and the opportunity of a true lasting legacy squandered.

Gareth: The chairman is well-intentioned, his family have put so much into the club. Thank you. However, the ongoing situation is entirely the responsibility of the current board and officers.

The lack of skill ,and until recently the unwillingness to communicate with the fanbase will not be rectified by the appointment of yet another (failed) manager. The team vehicle is broken, changing the driver again and again will not fix it. Repairs are urgently required!

Alan: Top's words were just that: words. Unless or until they are backed by action then relegation looks the most likely outcome. I gave up my season ticket after 25 years this year in dismay at the running of the club and just how miserable the matchday experience has become.

Image source, Getty Images/BBC

So, the names of potential managerial candidates seem to be pouring in with plenty of speculation about who will replace Marti Cifuentes.

Former Wales boss Chris Coleman is among a fairly long list of names that have been linked with the Foxes job, with Gary Rowett, Derek McInnes, Russell Martin and Lee Carsley among the others.

Question is, Foxes fans, why would you want and why?

Moreover, it is the day after Khun Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha' wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio Leicester.

What did you make of what the Leicester City owner had to say? There was lots covered, of course, but if you could sum up your reaction in just a few words then please do share them with us.

Leicester fans can have their say here - check back on this page to see some of the responses.

Watch as Leicester City owner Khun Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha sits down with BBC Radio Leicester to talk about the state of the club as they struggle in the bottom half of the Championship.

The Foxes' Thai chairman spoke to reporter Owynn Palmer-Atkin just hours before the club sacked manager Marti Cifuentes.

You can catch the full interview on the Leicester City BBC Sounds page.

Listen to Leicester City owner Khun Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabh's full one-on-one interview with BBC Radio Leicester's Owynn Palmer-Atkin.

The club's Thai chairman talks at length in his first UK interview for 10 years about the state of the Foxes, its financial situation and the hearing into the club's alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

He also discusses the changing role of director of football Jon Rudkin and responds to dissatisfaction shown by fans about the Leicester's fall from Premier League title winners to become a mid-table Championship side.

Listen to 'When You're Smiling' and more Leicester City content on BBC Sounds.

Former Southampton and Rangers manager Russell Martin is among the candidates to take over as Leicester City manager following the sacking of Marti Cifuentes. (Football Insider), external

Former Foxes player Gary Rowett and Hearts manager Derek McInnes are also being considered by the Foxes. (Mail), external

Northampton Town have entered advanced talks with Leicester for a potential loan move that would see 17-year-old Foxes forward Jake Evans return to his hometown. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.